Born and raised in Michigan, Gary was interested in the game of golf early on. He was the captain of the golf team at Michigan State University, where he graduated in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture. Upon graduation, he held successive positions as a landscape architect or planning consultant for the New York Roadside Development; the Maricopa County, Arizona Parks Department; the Department of the Interior and the City of Phoenix Parks Department. Gary entered private practice as a landscape architect in 1971, and in 1978, began designing golf courses exclusively under Gary Panks Associates. He partnered with PGA Tour player, David Graham, from 1988 -1997 to produce ten well-reviewed courses under the Graham & Panks International name. Gary's experience and ability as a player impacts his golf design and allows him to create courses that are both memorable and enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels.